ES2331471T3 - MIXING AND / OR TESTING EQUIPMENT FOR SMALL FLUID VOLUMES. - Google Patents

Abstract

An apparatus and method for measuring a range of small volumes of fluids to a high degree of precision, said apparatus including: a) a single reaction chamber (20); b) a piston (30) operable within said chamber to selectively and precisely vary the internal volume of said chamber; c) a first inlet (41) to said chamber in communication with one or more fluid sources of which a portion of a first fluid of said one or more fluids is adapted to be drawn into said chamber; d) at least one further inlet (43) including a second inlet to said chamber in communication with one or more fluid sources of which a portion of a second fluid of said one or more fluids is adapted to be drawn into said chamber; and e) a sealable outlet (45), wherein said piston is adapted to progressive draw said portion of a second fluid into said chamber until either accurare metering of a volume of said first or second portion of fluid is achived or a reaction involving said first and second portions in said chamber (such as a titration reaction) is completed.

Description

Apparatus for mixing and / or testing of small volumes of fluids

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an apparatus for measuring the volume of small fluid samples with a high degree of precision, such as between +/- 0.05 to 0.03 ml. Plus specifically, the present invention relates to an apparatus for accurately mix and / or analyze small volumes of fluids of optical values. Even more specifically, this invention relates to a light apparatus for reagent mixing in exact stoichiometric percentages for optimal production of a desired product; collection of fluid samples that react with a reagent in an exact volume percentage and the analysis of optical values; and / or analysis of a fluid sample.

Background Technique

The requirement of automatic test and control specific chemical parameters of water and water courses in the domestic, commercial and industrial sectors are sued increasingly by both operators and agencies Government The health risks associated with swimming pools or cooling tower water managed incorrectly have created an awareness of the need for monitoring systems and automatic and reliable water treatment. Recent outbreaks of Giardia infection and Cryptosporidium pathogens contracted from swimming pools commercial and numerous Legionella infections contracted from air conditioning water towers accentuate the Need for rigorous chemical tests. Standards government now frequently specify the completion of tests in commercial pools or several cooling towers times a day and the results should be entered in a book of audit log Given the growing awareness of the importance of regular monitoring of water courses tañes as swimming pools and cooling towers, there is a need for a apparatus for mixing and / or testing small samples of fluid that be able to, at least to some degree, ease the task often laborious to conduct tests regularly and neutralize alterations

Sterilizers generally used in the field of water treatment, such as water treatment of cooling towers used in most multi-storey buildings, domestic and public swimming pools and spas, include chlorine, chlorine dioxide, hydrogen peroxide, ozone and bromine and combinations of these. The use of chlorine dioxide in water sterilization is a relatively new phenomenon and is gaining popularity worldwide. It is especially effective against pathogens, Giardia and Cryptosporidium and has been widely used during outbreaks of these pathogens in swimming pools and drinking water during the year 2000 in Australia. Chlorine dioxide must be produced " in situ " as it is unstable. For this reason it is not sold in pre-packaged containers for commercial or consumer use. Chlorine dioxide is a dark yellow gas. It may exist in the form of dissolved gas in solution, but it has a short life of its own. There are mainly two ways to produce chlorine dioxide, by the oxidation of chlorine or by the reduction of chlorates. A simple production procedure is to add sodium chloride to an acid in the correct proportions. However, this procedure is especially dangerous and it is not recommended that inexperienced people try to mix the solutions correctly. If the procedure is performed incorrectly, the chlorine dioxide gas may not remain dissolved in the solution and may evaporate from the solution to form a cloud of toxic gas that causes serious respiratory problems. Even small concentrations of airborne chlorine dioxide can cause respiratory difficulties in those who suffer from asthma. Consequently, there is a need for an apparatus capable of overcoming these safety problems to make the use of this excellent chlorine dioxide sterilizer available to the inexperienced, to treat the water course in question.

Automatic collection of water samples for Colorimetric analysis has been limited to the use of flow through alveoli These alveoli are normally used for analysis. colorimetric sample with any reagent introduced by middle of a peristaltic pump. After the introduction of a reagent in the alveolar flow vial, a mixed magnetic rod the solution and the colorimetric analysis is performed. But nevertheless, there is a consideration regarding this flow through alveoli in applications such as swimming pools and spas in which the accumulation of algae or minerals can line the inside of alveoli thus reducing their effectiveness by affecting the optical transparency that they originally possessed. Consequently, inaccurate readings may occur if cleaning is not performed regulate the alveoli. Consequently, there is a need for an apparatus adapted to the colorimetric analysis of water samples using reagents that behave a cleaning regime less onerous.

The automatic control systems designed to test specific water parameters and react to correct the parameter that requires correction have been described, but they are not necessarily widely known. Typically, these systems use probes and are normally placed in the system of recirculation associated with the water course to be treated. The system interprets values of certain parameters and, based on the results, a mechanical or electronic device can be activated to correct the value in question. The system can pump liquid chlorine to increase the level of chlorine or pump hydrochloric acid to reduce the pH, for example.

In the case of swimming pools, spas and towers cooling, two water tests that can be done Automatically with this type of equipment are: (1) a measurement of the level of disinfectant; and (2) a test of the pH level of the Water. The correct control of these two parameters is the most critical in the prevention of the development of pathogens. May be necessary other tests, but the prior art system that uses probes It is not adapted to the test of parameters such as hardness by calcium, total alkalinity and cyanuric acid levels or of stabilizer. Conventionally, these tests are performed manually.

In these prior art devices, typically uses a probe with reduction / oxidation potential (ORP) to determine the reduction / oxidation potential or effectiveness of the disinfectant in question. The potential reading reduction / oxidation (expressed in millivolts) is dependent on Sample pH. A pH change of only 0.5 mV up may lead to the development of disinfectant levels excessively corrosive A change of pH down (more acidic) may result in inadequate disinfectant levels. Even more, a correct determination and control of chlorine are made difficult with these ORP systems if the pH is not monitored and stabilizes precisely. Another disadvantage is that the probes require regular cleaning and also the instruments require calibration regularly.

While commercial operators can adhere to strict procedures that can help these ORP systems produce satisfactory results, users beginners have been observed to be less regulars in the Follow-up of the correct procedure. In addition, many of these probes are very sensitive to movement and water velocity around them, and minor changes in currents of localized water may affect the ability of the probe to Present correct readings. Another disadvantage is that although this procedure may be useful in some cases, the result of reduction / oxidation potential cannot be interpreted as soon as to parts per million in relation to disinfectant levels. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, most of global standards require that disinfectant levels be Express in parts per million. Consequently, given the standards required in most jurisdictions, the users of such ORP devices should even be required to perform standard manual disinfectant tests. In in terms of commercial accessibility, ORP systems are expensive and generally outside the price range of the typical owner of domestic pool

As in the case of ORP systems, an automatic procedure for pH testing using a pH probe has been described. The pH probe is placed in the water circuit and the pH is constantly monitored. An electrical signal from the probe to a measuring device determines the pH and " in situ " in a water treatment plant, if the pH is outside a set range, a pump is normally activated to supply a chemical to a system and correct the pH. These pH probes also require regular cleaning and become inaccurate if maintenance is ignored.

A disadvantage of both the ORP and the probes pH is that both are likely to produce incorrect values when there are hydrogen bubbles in the sample under test. He hydrogen gas interferes with the chemical reaction associated with the probe. Microscopic hydrogen bubbles are especially evident in salt chlorination facilities adapted to, by example pools. This very popular electrolytic procedure of chlorination of moderately saline water systems produces gas from hydrogen as a byproduct of the electrolytic reaction. It would be advantage of having a colorimetric device that is not affected by the presence of hydrogen gas in the sample under test.

The previous description of the prior art It is not intended to be, nor should it be construed as, an indication of common general knowledge pertaining to the invention but which, preferably as an aid to those skilled in the art in the understanding of the development procedure that leads to the invention.

US5 817 954 discloses an apparatus of analysis that includes a reaction chamber with a stirrer incorporated, an reciprocating piston in said chamber, a plurality of tightly closed entrances at will way effective by inlet valves, and a tightly closed outlet by an outlet valve. US 6 029 857 discloses a two component mixing and dispensing device, which It comprises mobile pistons in two measuring chambers, being tightly closed the outputs of the measuring chambers by outlet valves located at the base of the measuring chambers contiguous to the inner surface. US 3 063 813 discloses a mixing and dispensing apparatus for plastic components, which it comprises a mixing chamber with a built-in stirrer, a reciprocating piston in said chamber, a plurality of inputs, and an outlet tightly closed by a valve exit. The incorporated agitator comprises a compressible spiral, in such a way that essentially all the mixed plastic product It can be downloaded from the mixing chamber.

Disclosure of the invention

An apparatus for measuring a range of small fluid volumes with a high degree of accuracy, including said apparatus:

to)

a single reaction chamber and a base (40);

b)

a reciprocating piston in said camera;

C)

a first input to said camera in communication with one or more sources of fluid of which a part of a first fluid from said one or more fluid sources is adapted to be extracted into said chamber;

d)

at least one other entry that includes a second input to said camera in communication with one or more sources of fluid of which a part of a second fluid of said one or more sources of fluid is adapted to be extracted towards the inside said chamber; Y

and)

a tightly closed exit, in the that

F)

said piston is operable within said chamber to vary at will and with precision the internal volume of said camera;

g)

said first inlet has a first valve operable at will to allow the flow of the first part towards the inside of said chamber by the movement of said piston inside of said chamber in the direction away from said base until a predetermined volume of said first fluid is drawn into the inside said chamber;

h)

said second inlet has a second valve operable at will to allow the flow of the second part towards the inside of said chamber by the movement of said piston inside of said camera until predetermined conditions are met that include the precise measurement of a volume of said second fluid or the termination of a reaction involving said first and second parts in said chamber;

i)

said piston is adapted to return to said start position to empty the contents of said camera through of said output until the entire sample is ejected through the exit; Y

j)

said exit is tightly closed by a outlet valve located adjacent to the internal surface of said camera.

In yet another aspect of the invention a procedure for testing a small volume of a composition of fluids, said process includes the steps of:

to)

opening of a first entry in communication with a camera, whereby said camera communicates with a source of a first fluid;

b)

opening of a piston in said chamber to move said piston moving away from a base of said chamber to a first position to extract a predetermined and precise volume of an amount of said first fluid from said source of the first fluid through said first inlet into said camera;

C)

closing of said first entry;

d)

opening of a second entry in communication with said camera, whereby said camera communicates with a source of a second fluid;

and)

operation of said piston to move said piston from said first position to a second position to extract a second fluid from said source of the second fluid through said second inlet into said chamber until it is has met a predetermined condition, mixing said first and second fluids to form a composition;

F)

closing of said second entry;

h)

return of said piston to said starting position to thus expel said composition through an operable output to will by means of an outlet valve located in said base and contiguous to the inner surface of said chamber until all the Sample be ejected.

The default condition may include any number of different conditions that, once satisfied they cause the piston to cease its movement away from the exit. For example, the default condition may correspond to the extreme value that is reached in an analysis procedure volumetric. The extreme value can be detected by a optical value analyzer. Once the value analyzer optics has detected the extreme value, the piston can adapt to be stopped and the calibrated volume of the reagent used to reach the extreme value. Then, it you can use the volume of reagent required to determine a treatment regimen appropriate to the source of the first fluid. Alternatively, the default condition corresponds to a preset volume of a fluid that is drawn into the camera. The affected fluid may be the first, second or third fluid, etc., or it can be a reagent. Once the volume is extracted presetting the affected fluid into the chamber, it you can use the optical value analyzer to test the camera content for one or more optical values. On base of the one or more identified optical values, it can be determine a treatment regimen for the source of the first fluid.

The optical value analyzer may include Any suitable photometric device. Preferably, the Optical value analyzer is a colorimeter. Colorimeters Suitable for this purpose are commercially available, but It can also be done properly using an LED transmitter suitable capable of transmitting, for example, a 555 nm signal capable of being received by a photoelectric sensor located on one side opposite of the camera. The optical value analyzer can be use to test various parameters such as turbidity (such as it can be done using prior art devices that include direct flow alveoli), but can also be used to test other parameters that require the use of reagents and that cannot be tested using direct flow alveoli.

Preferably, the first fluid is water at analyze and, if necessary, treat. However, the first fluid it can be any other fluid, such as industrial gases, that require precision mixing or precise analysis, which involve procedures such as volumetric analysis, to evaluate specific properties of the first fluid.

The first and / or second etc, entries are preferably controlled by first and / or second etc. valves The apparatus may include a plurality of communication inputs with packages of a plurality of reagents for use in testing the First fluid Alternatively, the apparatus may include only one input, at will in communication with a plurality of packages of reagent. The plurality of entries can be closed or opened at willingness for a plurality of corresponding valves, optionally controlled by a central processor.

The valves that control the inputs can Be operated manually. However, preferably, the Valves are operated by electric motors. Preferably, the Valves are operated by solenoids.

To prevent the entry of waste that may interfere with reactions or tests in the chamber, the first input may include a filter to screen solids and / or mud suspended or otherwise contained in the first fluid. The filter It can be flat mesh or it can be convex or concave. The filter can be in any suitable way in cross section, depending of the internal form of the entrance. For example, the filter can be square, oval or circular in cross section. The filter can be cylindrical or some other form of basket. Preferably the Filter is removable for cleaning.

The output can include can include any suitable valve device to allow the removal of chamber fluid Preferably, the outlet includes a valve One way pressure. Preferably, the output includes a ball valve predisposed by spring predisposed towards a closed and open position after the movement of the piston from the first to second positions, etc. to the starting position.

The second fluid can be a reactant or a reagent. When the device or procedure is used, it implies fluid test using the optical value analyzer, the second fluid is preferably a reagent. When the device is used or the procedure involves mixing reactant components to form a fluid composition, the second fluid can be a reactant Preferably, the reagent is adapted with the first fluid to produce a certain type of optical value that can be read by the optical value analyzer.

For example, the chlorinated water of a swimming pool, spa, cooling tower, etc. It is extracted into a reaction chamber with the red phenol reagent to react and develop a color through which a colorimetric analysis is performed to give us the pH value of the water. A suitable light source and sensor are located on opposite sides of the transparent reaction chamber. The wavelength of the light that is best used is the most absorbed of the colored sample. The phenol red indicator used to measure the pH in pool and spa systems is applicable to test the pH of a range of 6.8 to 8.4. In this range the color varies from yellow to purple and the use of a wavelength of 555 nm is typical in this colorimetric analysis. Typically, the ratio of the sample to the reagent is 293 parts of the sample to 1 part of the reagent, the phenol red being 0.08%. The device is calibrated to interpret a treated voltage value corresponding to a numerical pH value. This value is then presented. The device can perform two rinse cycles and perform a Free Chlorine test by mixing the water sample with the Free Chlorine reagents, DPD1 and DPD2 in the correct proportions. The intensity of the purple color
Determine the value of Free Chlorine. The same 555 nm light source is used, typically a suitable LED.

Cyanuric acid levels would be tested in the chamber using a reagent that increases the turbidity of the mixing in proportion to the level of cyanuric acid in the sample. Be You can use melanin reagent.

A photodiode located perpendicular to the source of light detects the scattered light and a calibrated voltage developed and treated by the sensor, it is interpreted as a numerical value of acid Cyanuric in ppm.

The procedure for testing a small volume of a fluid composition may include another stage of treatment of the source of the first fluid in response to the less an optical value reading obtained. Consequently, it can assume that the second fluid and other fluids are products Chemicals adapted to treat certain parameters of the First fluid and return those parameters to a specified range. Consequently, the output can be at will in communication With the first fluid. The device may be adapted to remove a predetermined amount of the second fluid inward the camera and supply that specific amount to the source of the first fluid.

The device can be controlled by a computer processor The order processor can be built-in or the device may be adapted for connection to the computer. Preferably, the computer processor includes suitable software to control and coordinate the opening and closing of one or more inlet valves and piston operation.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the invention refers to an apparatus that collects a sample of fluid automatically extracts a suitable colorimetric reagent to the inside the reaction chamber, mix the fluid sample with the reagent in the chamber and then performs an analysis colorimetric of the resulting sample.

In this preferred form of the invention, using the colorimetric analysis information, the apparatus can simply present the information, retain the information or transfer it through a computer interface. also can start another mechanical or electronic device apply a product chemical to the water course or system to correct the parameter in question. After completion of the analysis, it can be downloaded Automatically colorimetric sample. Then. He device can rinse the camera once or many times by removing and repeatedly discharging the sample of the first fluid or a fluid Rinse Especially, if a next and different reagent through a different input, multiple rinses may be necessary to reduce the risk of pollution.

The device can also perform analysis volumetric. For example, alkalinity is tested in pools total. The device can be used for self-assessment and obtain a result of total alkalinity in parts per million. The device You can order the volumetric analysis by first entering the volume of water sample needed, followed by percentages Correct regulatory solution and solutions. Then you can slowly introduce the titrant until the Colorimeter recognizes the extreme value. You can use a microprocessor to control the device and could be used to calculate the volume of reagent needed to reach this value extreme and then the corresponding total alkalinity in parts per million.

The device may be suitable to perform automatically a sample mixing function and reagent (s) to obtain a colorimetric result. Too You can make the most complex sample mix, regulators, solutions and numerically determine the extreme value of a volumetric analysis and, thus, the value of the concentration of species under test. Thanks to its flexibility, in this way preferably, the device can be configured in such a way that only chlorine and pH of a course of water, but also the total range of parameters from which inform. The other parameters that should be analyzed normally are Total alkalinity, calcium hardness, cyanuric acid, copper, iron, bromine, turbidity and numerous other parameters. In addition, the Device can be configured for individual needs.

The apparatus may perform said colorimetric tests " in situ " and may be in a form such that an external service company may use the apparatus to automatically test customer fluid samples. The results can be treated by an integrated or interconnected computer. In this case, the device would not be able to alter the chemical composition of the water, but it offers a computer impression with treatment recommendations.

In another particularly preferred aspect of the invention, the invention can provide an apparatus that is constructed  in such a way that it is a fully integrated autonomous part of the team. Reaction chambers, reagents, processor computer and mechanical hardware can be contained within this unit. The unit may include means of receiving payments such as coin or card reader operated and supplied in customer access points, such as pool shops and Hardware stores The device can be used as an instrument to help a customer in the purchase of chemicals suitable according to treatment recommendations. Consequently, the device would motivate the customer to pay. If he customer had previously used the device, the chemicals they may already be included in a database and have been supplied with a barcode on your sample container by The associated retailer. For first time users, they could present a series of issues to help establish in the computer the volume of the water course in question, the type is used coating of the watercourse container and any equipment detail, such as salt water chlorination or chlorination conventional. Other questions can also be answered relating to the disinfection procedure of swimming pools, spas or water towers and you can also answer the expectations of the client through a touch screen. As suggested previously, customers already in the database could have the option to ignore these introductory issues. A reader of barcodes you can read a barcode attached to the Sample container and parameters such as type of pool and volume would be downloaded automatically for consideration of Computers when performing calculations. The device can warn to a user who places a sample bottle in a chamber with Sample drawers.

Once adapted, an apparatus or a plurality of such devices, could be used to extract ours to the inside the chamber, react with appropriate reagents and perform a colorimetric determination of species concentration tested with a view to a return finally to the numerical evaluation and written treated of the first fluid along with the corrections chemical or mechanical necessary to bring the water back to accepted parameters. Consequently, the described apparatus eliminates the need for expert technicians to be present.

The invention has obvious application in Domestic pools and commercial spas. So far the great most of the owners of domestic pools have been dependents of manually testing their own water Pool and / or spa. For the average person, this is another task rather than interferes with your busy agenda and consequently the Regular tests are often not performed. When he owner performs them, often reduces accuracy of the evidence which results in false or inaccurate results. This it can lead the user to correct a water balance or a sanitation parameter incorrectly. The omission of Pool and / or spa water testing is not only harmful for pool structure, pool equipment and comfort of the swimmer, but also for the health of the swimmer. The levels of Low disinfectant maintained incorrectly, together with a high pH not proven can lead to a watercourse with little or no User protection against infections. These problems of infections are exacerbated in hot springs where the development of Legionella is possible and, in fact, there have been deaths due to of poor maintenance of thermal water.

Reagents that can be used with the device include DPD chlorine test reagents used in test kits colorimetric DPD1 refers to a free chlorine test using DPD2 (N, N-Diethyl-1, 4-phenylene diamine sulfate) and DPD 1 which is a regulatory solution that controls the pH of the sample with in order for the DPD2 to react correctly and produce the color desired purple These reagents have a tracking record proven in free and total chlorine tests and also facilitates the Expression of results in parts per million. The value of Results are not affected by the pH of the sample, and unlike of ORP systems, will not incorrectly alter the levels of water disinfectant if the pH is not within a parameter narrow. The apparatus can use any number of reagents to Test virtually any necessary parameters. Disinfectants or alternative tests may require introduction into the device of multiple reagents in the first fluid sample. TO Unlike ORP systems, there is no probe for clean meticulously, or probe with problems of cocas currently who have to face when used in water pools Salty and is much cheaper and easy to manufacture and maintain.

In another preferred embodiment especially, the apparatus can be used to mix two or more reactants to produce a final composition. The device can remove neatly a predetermined volume of, for example, solution of sodium chloride into the chamber, followed by a stoichiometrically correct acid volume. The two components they would react to chlorine dioxide forms, which exists in a solution together with harmless byproducts. Because the volumes are measured accurately, the efficiency of the conversion In chlorine dioxide it is optimized. Since the entire system of reaction constitutes a closed system, not open to the atmosphere, it is not possible to discharge chlorine dioxide into the atmosphere and the Security impact is obvious. After the time of optimal reaction inside the reactor, the piston can be activated to force the chlorine dioxide through the outlet and into the inside the recirculation system of the water courses.

The piston can be operated in several ways. He piston can be controlled by an electric motor, capable of precise movements Preferably, the piston is driven by a screw driver that can be operated manually, but It is preferably controlled by an electric motor. The piston may be adapted to clean the internal surface of the camera when moving to positions. The piston may include a peripheral flange, such as an annular flange. Preferably, the piston includes at least two peripheral flanges at either end of the piston head. The pair of peripheral flanges or double Annular flange may be made of a self-lubricating material. Preferably, the piston head, which includes double flange, is made of Teflon. The camera can be made of a scratch resistant glass. The piston can extract fluid and then download it with what constantly cleans the internal walls of the chamber and keeps them clean and without matter Organic or mineral accumulated.

The worm drive is adapted preferably to fix the piston in one of a variety of positions in the camera. The screw driver also may be adapted to gradually move the piston through from a range of positions during volumetric analysis.

In another aspect, the apparatus may include also:

to)

sample reception medium that constitutes the source of the first fluid to receive the sample of the first fluid, either by means of a sample glass located on the middle of reception of samples or through a cavity in which a Sample can be transferred as pouring, being adapted the means for receiving samples to put first fluid in communication with the camera;

b)

means of receiving payments adapted to make the computer processing means operable upon receipt of a default payment.

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The device may include a screen of presentation and means of entering information. The device can drive to obtain information regarding a number of values predetermined, such as source volume of the first fluid, material of the inner surface of the vessel containing the source of the first fluid, type of existing treatment regimen, and allows feedback when the user enters values without sense. The apparatus can perform an analysis of the first fluid and issue one or more recommendations regarding the first fluid. He apparatus may include treatment medium controlled by the computer processor that coordinates the treatment of the source of the first fluid in response to the analysis results performed by the optical value analyzer.

Brief description of the drawings

For a more complete description of the invention, reference is made to the following illustration not limiting to to know:

Figure 1 is a schematic side view of an apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 is a schematic side view of an apparatus according to a second embodiment of the invention; Y

Figure 3 is a diagram of a system that shows the operation of an apparatus according to an aspect of the invention.

Detailed description of the drawings

Figure 1 shows an apparatus 10 that includes a chamber 20, a piston 30, a base 40, and a drive means 50 of the piston.

The chamber 20 is made of a glass cylinder hardened and scratch resistant. Located near the base of the camera 20, is a colorimeter 21 that includes an LED (with numeral Reference 21) and a photoelectric sensor 22 22 on the opposite side from camera to LED 21.

The piston 30 includes a piston head 31, which has a main body 32 which in turn has a flange or annular flange 33 at any end of head 32. When the piston 30 rises and falls in chamber 20, annular flanges, made Teflon, clean the inner surface of glass, which they constitute an automatic surface cleaning mechanism Internal camera The piston 30 includes a piston shaft 34 34, comprising a pair of elongate arms 35 extending between the head 32 of the piston and a rod 36 having an opening 37 threaded center.

An impulse screw 51 cooperates with the threaded opening 37 whereby the impeller 51 rotation of worm screw using a progressive feed motor 52 displaces the piston up or down the chamber 20.

The base 40 is provided with a plurality of conduits that include a first sample inlet port 41 or reagents, in communication at will with the internal space of the chamber 30 for the operation of a solenoid valve 42. Base it also includes a second port 43 for sample entry or reagents, controlled at will by a solenoid valve 44 to control the communication of the second input port with the chamber 20. The base also includes an outlet 45 that includes a small cavity 46 in which a ball valve 47 is located predisposed by a pier. The ball valve 47 is predisposed towards a closed position and opens by applying a positive pressure due to downward movement of the piston 30

It can be seen that the apparatus 10 can be used in Several ways. The apparatus 10 can be used to remove a water sample through inlet port 41 from the camera to a predetermined volume. The apparatus 10 Microprocessor controlled (not shown), can then extract a reagent through the second port 43 of entry. The reagent volume may be predetermined with that, after a predetermined amount of time, the colorimeter performs a reading and generates a result based on the specific volume of reagent extracted by piston 30. Alternatively, the apparatus 10 can perform volumetric analysis for which the piston draws gradually and constantly more reagent through the second input port 43 until the Colorimeter detects the extreme value. The results can be treated by the microprocessor to facilitate recommendations of treatment. To eject the sample tested from chamber 20, activates the stepper motor 52 to rotate the impeller 51 of auger and produce the downward displacement of the piston 30 until the entire sample is ejected at through outlet 45 for disposal. The camera can be rinsed several times extracting water well from the water course or fluid of cleaning through the first or second input ports 41, 43 to get contaminants out.

Next, the apparatus 10 can be used to extract a treatment solution in an amount determined by the results of the colorimetric analysis through the first well or the second input ports 41, 43 and the solution of treatment expelled into the recirculation system of water through exit 45.

In another application of the apparatus 10, the apparatus is can be used to mix reactants in a closed system and to download the resulting composition in the recirculation system of water through outlet 45 without exposing the reactants or the resulting composition to the atmosphere and, critically, to a user. Consequently, chlorine dioxide can be produced and applied to a watercourse using the apparatus 20 extracting an amount requires chlorine dioxide into chamber 20 by middle of the input port 41, extracting a second reactant in acid form in liquid form through port 43 of entry into chamber 20 in a proportional volume Stoichiometrically default. The displacement of the piston to through the first position to the second position, it promotes enough turbulence to mix the component reactants each other and produce a resulting chlorine dioxide solution. Next, the downward movement of the piston 30 forces the resulting chlorine dioxide solution through outlet 45 and into the water recirculation system. This general operation can be controlled by the microprocessor to what a minimum human intervention is needed.

Figure 2 shows a colorimeter 60 of Auto sampling according to a second embodiment. Colorimeter 60 includes a DC 61 feed motor adapted for propel a screw driver 62 that controls the reciprocating motion of a piston 63 and piston head 65 in a reaction chamber 64. Content colorimeter measurements of camera 64 are carried out by the combined operation of a 66 light emitting diode located next to the camera and a diode or sensor 67 on the opposite side, both LED 66 and sensor being 67 external to the transparent or otherwise glass wall of the camera 64. Colorimeter 60 includes four ports 70a-d input for the introduction of samples of reagents in chamber 64. The cameras that control the communication of the 60a-d input ports with the internal chamber space 64 are controlled by solenoids 71, 72, operable at will according to data entries and Central processor programming (not shown). The exit of chamber content is effected through an outlet valve of waste and of port 73 located at the base of the colorimeter 60

Figure 3 shows how you can use a self-sampling colorimeter such as an apparatus 10 or colorimeter 60 in the maintenance of a watercourse such as a pool or Spa. Associated with and adjacent to apparatus 10, 60 is a 98 waste outlet and a pair of pumps, a chlorine pump 80 for extract chlorine from a chlorine cylinder 81 and an acid pump 82 to extract acid from a cylinder 83 of acid. Valves 84, 85 of retention regulate the flow from the respective cylinders 81, 83. The application to the water course is carried out by means of a injection manifold 86 that applies chlorine and acid solutions in the input current corresponding to tube 87. Tube 87 transfers water from a filler 88 (which has a pump 89 to transport water through tube 87). In line with tube 87 there is a main flow exchanger 90 and a line 91 of introduction of water samples that transfers water samples to through filter 88 to colorimeter 10, 60. Valves 92, 93 of control control the supply of treated water from tube 87 to The pool or spa. A spa flow exchanger 94 It is decisive in cooperation with a central processor in the indication to colorimeter 10.60 of when to change to a sequence of spa test as opposed to a test sequence a pool and if an inlet tube 95 with filter takes water from the spa or pool by operation at will of the control valves 96, 97.

When used in this memory and in claims, the terms "comprises" and "that includes "and variations thereof mean that Specified features, stages or components are included. Terms should not be interpreted as excluding presence of other characteristics, stages or components.

Claims (20)

1. An apparatus (10) for measurement, mixing and / or analysis of a series of small volumes of fluids with a high degree of precision, including said apparatus (10):

to)

a single reaction chamber (20) and a base (40);

b)

an alternative piston (30) in said chamber (twenty);

C)

a first input (41) to said camera (20) in communication with one or more fluid sources of which a part of a first fluid of said one or more fluids is adapted to be extracted into said chamber (20);

d)

at least one other entry (43) that includes a second input to said camera (20) in communication with one or more sources of fluid of which a part of a second fluid of said one or more fluids is adapted to be extracted into said camera (20); Y

and)

an output (45) expandable, in which

F)

said piston (30) is operable within said chamber (20) to vary, at will and precisely, the internal volume of said chamber (20);

g)

said first inlet (41) has a first valve (42) operable at will to allow the flow of said first inward part of said chamber (20) by the movement of said piston (30) inside said chamber (20) moving away from said base (40) until a predetermined volume of said first fluid it is extracted into said chamber (20);

h)

said second inlet (43) has a second valve (44) operable at will to allow the flow of the second part into said chamber (20) by the movement of said piston (30) inside said chamber (20) to extract progressively said second fluid into said chamber (20) until that a predetermined condition is met, which includes the measurement requires a volume of said second fluid or the termination of a reaction that involves said first and second parts in said camera (20);

i)

said piston (30) is adapted to return to its start position and empty the contents of said chamber (20) to through said outlet (45) until the entire sample is ejected through the outlet (45),

wherein said exit (45) is closed tightly by an outlet valve (47), characterized because said outlet valve (47) is located in said base (40) contiguous to the inner surface of said chamber (twenty). 2. An apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that said first (41) and second (43) inputs and said output (45) are located in said base (40). 3. An apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that said first (41) and second (43) valves are located in said base (40). An apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that said piston (30) includes a pair of annular flanges (33) operative to clean said internal surface of said chamber (20). An apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that said apparatus (10) includes a third entrance to said chamber (20) in communication with a source of a third fluid from which a part of said third fluid is adapted to be extracted into said chamber (20) by the operation of said piston (30), whereby said source of the first fluid is a source of a first reagent, said source of the second fluid is a source of a second reagent and said source The third fluid is a watercourse that includes a pool, a spa, a cold water reservoir, or a source of drinking water. An apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that said apparatus (10) further includes an optical value analyzer for analyzing the contents of said chamber (20). 7. An apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that said optical value analyzer indicates when said predetermined condition is met, An apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that said apparatus (10) includes a computer processor for controlling said piston (30), said first valve (42) and said at least one other valve including said second valve (44) and said output (45), and said optical value analyzer indicates to said computer processor when said predetermined condition is met. An apparatus according to claim 1 or 5, characterized in that said source of the first fluid contains a first reagent and said source of the second fluid contains a second reagent, whereby said apparatus (10) is adapted to mix and react between yes said first and second reagents in precise stoichiometric proportions to obtain an active composition. An apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that said first reagent is sodium chloride, said second reagent is an acid in liquid form, said active composition includes chlorine dioxide and said apparatus (10) has a closed system for mix said reagents without compromising a user. 11. An apparatus according to claim 9 when it is dependent on claim 5, characterized in that said outlet (45) is optionally in communication with a garbage disposal for a time or with said watercourse for another time via the exchange medium and said apparatus (10) is adapted to expel said active composition through said outlet (45) by means of said outlet valve (47) to said watercourse. An apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that said source of the first fluid is in the form of a means for receiving samples from a user that is adapted to put said first fluid in communication with said chamber (20); and said apparatus further includes means of receiving payments adapted to make said computer processor operable upon receipt of a predetermined payment by the user. An apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that said sample reception means receives the sample in a sample vessel located on said reception means or in a cavity in which the sample can be transferred as it is being poured. 14. An apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that said apparatus (10) further includes an information display and information input means. 15. An apparatus according to claim 14, characterized in that said screen is adapted to indicate to said user information concerning various predetermined values, including volume of the source of the third fluid, the material of the inner surface of said vessel which it contains said source of the third fluid, type of existing treatment regimen, and to facilitate feedback that includes feedback when meaningless values have been introduced by said user. 16. A small analysis procedure volume of a fluid composition, including said Procedure the stages of:

to)

opening of a first entry (41) in communication with a camera (20), whereby said camera (20) is set to communication with a source of a first fluid;

b)

operation of a piston (30) in said chamber (20) to move said piston (30) away from a base (40) of said chamber (20), to a first position to extract a predetermined and precise volume of an amount of said first fluid from said source of the first fluid through said first inlet (41) into said chamber (20);

C)

closing of said first entry (41);

d)

opening of a second entry (43) in communication with said camera (20), whereby said camera (20) is set to communication with a source of a second fluid;

and)

operation of said piston (30) to move said piston (30) from said first position to a second position and extracting a second fluid from said source of the second fluid a through said second inlet (43) into said camera (20) until a predetermined condition has been met, said first and second fluids mixing to form a composition;

F)

closing of said second entry (43);

g)

return of said piston (30) to its starting position in order to expel said composition through an outlet (45) operable at will by an outlet valve (47) until it is ejected the entire sample,

characterized because said outlet valve (47) is located in said base (40) and adjacent to the inner surface of said chamber (twenty).

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17. A method according to claim 16, characterized in that the first and second fluids are in a closed system that transfers the resulting active composition to a water recirculation system. 18. A process according to claim 16, characterized in that said first and second fluids are first and second reagents, respectively, whereby, after mixing and reaction of step g), said first and second reagents combine to form an active composition that includes chlorine dioxide. 19. A method according to claim 16, characterized in that said predetermined condition is met when an optical value analyzer, adapted to transmit a signal through said camera (20) and to receive the modified signal that has been transmitted through of said camera (20), detects a certain optical value. 20. A method according to claim 19, characterized in that said optical value analyzer is a colorimeter (21).